We are delighted to be able to announce that five of our Under-16 players have made the latest Devon County Under-16 squad.
Sam Jones, Harrison Burton, Levi Edwardson, Josh Mclean and Bailey Jason-Ryan are all in the Devon team to play WILTSHIRE at Coach Road, Newton Abbot on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015 with a 2pm kick-off.
Sunday, January 25th 2015
Devon County Youth League
Alphington 1 Willand Rovers 1
HT 0-0 Rawlings, S
A game at last! Not since December 7ths Cup win over Apollo, have Willand under 18s played. Mind you, Alphington’s last game was a week later. So the game was on – and on a pitch that would be no better than Silver Street but it would be a leveller. If anyone had watched the 1st XI toil against Bristol manor Farm 24 hours earlier, then this game was like ground-hog day
Goalkeeper, Jez Cross was ill with flu, so Alex Wright eagerly stepped up to the plate and donned some big gloves! Alex Gibbins was absent due to injury again. Otherwise, the White Ravens were at full strength.
It was overcast a little chilly but the pitch was heavy and it would be interesting to see the effect of no games for 2 months on many of the players’ legs!
Graeme Martin got the game under way with Willand attacking the City End.
Willand started well with Jake Tillett having a run at the Alphington right back but the home side blocked his run and that was the story of the day really. Alphington’s defending today was exemplary. The number of blocks they put in was testimony to their coaching and their goalkeeper was in excellent form. But that would be to suggest that defending is all they did.
This is a side that has been together for some years and while there might have been a gap of up to 2 years between the teams, they were eager to attack. Indeed, they were the first team to have a shot on goal and what an outstanding save Alex Wright made down to his right. Not only did he stop a full blooded strike, but he held it was well.
Alphington had a number of set pieces around the Willand goal, which the visitors defended well. After a volley flew by the near post from another corner, Willand then spent the next 20 minutes laying siege to the Alphington goal with a series of corners. Jordan Bastin, Reece Kingdom, Sam Johnson, Tarji Jones and Ben Bickle all went close and closer still during this period but the goal wouldn’t come.
In the second half, it was more of the same but then Alphington scored, from a free kick 25 years out. Matt Grimes’ younger brother stepped up and struck the ball towards the left corner. It was a good strike but Alex Wright, who didn’t put another foot wrong all day, lost his footing in the dive and the ball rolled into the net. 1-0 after 56 minutes.
For the next 5 minutes, Willand looked at sea. Changes had been made and one or two others were made after but it took a while to settle things down – especially in the visiting defence.
Then the balance changed and Willand were once again in the ascendancy. JJ Vittles came on to partner Sam Rawlings up front and their movement created openings. Nathan Antat and Ben Bickle on the flanks were working really hard to set up runs or crossing opportunities. Reece Kingdom in the middle was usually on hand to break up Alphington forays for the next 20 minutes.
Vittles came close with a drive that was tipped over and the keeper made one or two other saves. But recognition must go to the home rear-guard because if they threw themselves on the line to get a block or a tackle in once, they did it 10 times.
There was no stopping Willand’s equaliser though. Antat’s corner to the far post was headed back into the 6 yard area beyond the keeper and Sam Rawlings was on hand to nod it home. 1-1 after 72′.
The rest of the game was tough, dogged at times but both teams were trying to win and with 10 minutes to go, it was almost end to end.
Almost at the very death, a Bickle Cross from the right, 40 yards out was glanced narrowly wide home by JJ. One of the best chances of the entire 90 minutes but it would have been hard on Alphington.
So a point to take back up the M5. Lots of commitment and lots of energy but on such a surface, the lesson has to be to just keep trying and keep playing. Very good performances from Alex Wright, Nathan Antat, Ben Bickle and especially Reece Kingdom, once again.
copy and paste link to photos::
https://plus.google.com/photos/106481448529677945455/albums/6108326691265698321
Rovers completed a season’s double over Bridgwater VPR beating the Somerset side 6-1 at Silver Street in front of the biggest crowd of the season to watch an Under-16 match.
The victory also took Rovers to the top of the table, displacing previous leaders Staplegrove who were in KO Cup quarter final action – they beat Galmington Dragons 4-0 – and so Rovers will meet Staplegrove in the semi-final on a date yet to be determined.
In terms of the victory over Bridgwater VPR, goals they were shared by the Devon County Under-16 trio of Bailey Jason-Ryan (3), Levi Edwardson (2) and Sam Jones. The Jason-Ryan hat-trick was of the ‘special’ variety – some class finishing – as were the other goals, but this was once again all about the team who, collectively, played as well as they have done for some time and put a good visiting side to the sword. Bridgwater did net to halve the early two-goal deficit, but Rovers were soon back in charge and spent much of the game controlling proceedings with Sam Jones, Connor Pengelly and Owen Buxton once again orchestrating things ads a middle ‘three’. Ollie Elsworthy, the splendid Josh Mclean and Phil Andrew, shared the flank duties and Dan Foweraker, Ryan Harder and captain fantastic Tom Badcott ensure there was another ‘wall’ in front of Harrison Burton who had to pick the ball out of his net for only the second time in nine outings this season – and the first time he has been beaten at Silver Street this season.
Up top Bailey Jason-Ryan, Levi Edwardson and Mitchell Dart shared the striking duties. The side are playing some smashing football right now, and that has led to increased attendances which in turn means greater takes in the kitchen where John Biss continues to be the master of ceremonies – ably helped today by Steve Birley and Roy Bird – how good was it to see the latter who used to be such an important asset of the side in its formative years! Debbie Foweraker was once again the angel with the draw tickets (and the match day programmes) and Jo Elsworthy was once again such a valuable assistant come meal time for the players – thank you one and all for another great team effort off the pitch – it mirrors the class on it!
Rovers team: Harrison Burton, Tom Badcott (captain), Ryan Harder, Dan Foweraker, Ollie Elsworthy, Connor Pengelly, Sam Jones, Owen Buxton, Josh Mclean, Bailey Jason-Ryan, Levi Edwardson, Phil Andrew, Mitchell Dart, Jordan Biss.
Also on squad duty were Ollie Searle and Will Birley – and Max Cooper was also present – he did a splendid job running the line
The unbeaten record for this term – home or away – continued. The last time this team was beaten either home or away was on May 10, 2013 when Wembdon left Silver Street with the points in an evening game.
Rovers Under-15s were 7-0 winners when they met Galmington Dragons in a league fixture moved to Madeglake, Uffculme.
With every other team in the section having lost at least three times and Rovers being unbeaten this season the league title is mighty close for Simon Fry’s men. Indeed, a league and cup double looks on the cards!
For all-conquering Rovers its 56 goals in eight outings this season, its 25 in the last two games which have both been clean sheet victories and there have now been four clean sheets in all this season.
After over a month of postponements, the under 18s return to Devon County Youth League action at Alphington tomorrow (The Chronicles, 2pm kick-off).
The Devon County Youth league has suffered the withdrawal of two teams this season – Barnstaple Town and Sidmouth, which is a real shame for the age group and the bridge between youth and senior football.
But Alphington are a strong side and Sunday’s encounter should be a close one. Three points for Willand will give a boost as the run-in for the league title begins.
It’s also a very important game because while the White Ravens are riding high in the league, next week comes the Devon FA Cup semi-final, versus Manstow at Silver Street.
So the game will also be a chance for players to stake a claim for their place next week, when only 3 substitutes can be used. Tomorrow, a maximum of 7 substitutes can be used which still means 2 or 3 of the squad will be left out.
So Darren Cork and Nick Miles will be looking forward to a winning return to under 18s football……
PLAYER-MANAGER Scott Rogers says that Saturday’s home clash with league leaders Bristol Manor Farm is Willand Rovers’ biggest game of the season.
Willand may have three games in hand over their visitors, but the six-point deficit which separates the two sides has seen Rogers label it even more important than their FA Cup fourth round qualifying clash with Gosport Borough earlier this season.
And Rogers, whose side did not play at the weekend, says avoiding defeat is crucial to their title hopes.
“I think it is our biggest game of the season – even bigger than the Gosport game to be honest,” he said.
“They are one of the top teams so I am hoping we can get a result and a decent crowd for it.
“If we can either win or draw then I think we will be in with a good chance in the title race.
“I think that if we lose we will put ourselves under a lot of pressure to win the title.
“I know I am putting a lot of pressure on us but it is important we get a result on Saturday. It is a massive game for the club and for the supporters.”
Rogers is buoyed by the prospect of having a fully-fit squad at his disposal.
He has even arranged a friendly away to Torquay United on Tuesday to ensure his men are fit and ready for the weekend’s crunch clash.
Rogers said: “Dean Stamp has been out with suspension but it will be good for him to get a game on Tuesday. Other than that, we have a fully fit squad with no suspensions or anything for Saturday.
“We go into it at full strength.”
It is just as well, as they will need every resource available to take something off a team who have conceded just 18 goals in their 20 league games this season.
But rather than be intimidated by their opponents’ pedigree, Rogers is instead aiming to copy their blueprint for success.
“Bristol Manor Farm are pretty much where we aspire to be at the moment. Their manager has built a really good side and that is what we are trying to do,” he continued.
“If we can emulate that we will not be too far away from the top
STOP PRESS ……STOP PRESS
The Under-15 game is NOT now at Taunton – it has been SWITCHED TO MADEGLAKE UFFCULME (many thanks to Nick Miles for sorting this one) . Players are asked to report to Madgelake for 2pm on Sunday.
PREVIOUS FOR THE UNDER-15S
The Rovers Under-15s have been given a game at the 12th hour for this coming Sunday (January 25). It seems that a cup tie that was to be played is not now taking place and Under-15s coach Simon Fry has been asked if his side can fulfill a league fixture at TAUNTON on Sunday (2.30pm kick-off) against GALMINGTON DRAGONS. Naturally the answer was – OF COURSE! Players are asked to meet at the club at 1.30pm to travel in convoy.
January 18th 2015. Happy 2015!
Rain caused yet another postponement – this time the league fixture at Apollo, who had tried an alternative ground too. The team hasn’t played since December 7th’s County FC Cup win and the ensuing semi-final tie gets ever closer – February 1st at Silver Street – 2pm kick-off.
Next week, January 25th, the White Ravens will travel to The Chronicles, home to Alphington for a league fixture – 2pm kick-off (weather permitting). The team could really do with a run out ahead of the County FA Cup tie against Manstow (Plymouth).
Manstow are riding high in the top division in Plymouth under 18 football. The West Devon region is incredibly successful at this level with 3o under 18s sides.
The South Devon/Torquay area can only boast 8 sides while the Exeter area only has 5 teams left. Concerns continue to fall on deaf ears about the apparent missing link (between junior football and the higher levels of local senior football) in the Exeter area.
Fortunately Willand Rovers are close enough to be able to participate in the midweek Somerset Floodlit League and it is hoped that the current under 16s can pursue the ambition of quality youth football at the club by entering that league and furthering the cause of producing quality players locally for the future of the Reserves and the 1st XI.
Next season will apparently see the launch of a new Reserve-Team-Only league in the Devon & Exeter League. It is estimated that there may be 3 divisions of around 28 teams all told. Perhaps this might be an ideal set-up to grow teams of good younger players for the future of the area’s senior teams.
An exceptional 16 year old might get into the Western League 1st Division but in reality, the majority of good players need a few seasons more to really be able to compete for a starting-place. It’s hard enough even for a good under 18 to break into a Peninsula team or a good Devon & Exeter or Premier League side. I am sure there are a number who are good enough and ready at this level and while a few get their chance, it’s often down to managers with belief in the benefits of bringing younger players through.
So a new Reserve Team League might be the ideal opportunity to bring more promising young players on, as they continue to learn the game.
Finally, I should point out that points made above are the views and opinions of me, Nick Miles, and are not necessarily representative of the views of Willand Rovers Football Club.
